Making Sense of OEM, OCM and Aftermarket Parts​

Commercial kitchens work like fine-tuned machines, and it only takes one malfunctioning component to grind the entire food preparation process to a halt. Lost time can seriously impact your restaurant’s bottom line, which is why it’s important to get any broken appliances or other equipment up and running as quickly as possible. When arranging commercial appliance service in Santa Rosa, you might hear terms such as OEM, OCM and aftermarket to refer to parts used by service technicians, but what do they mean? Here’s a brief overview of each part classification so you can make an informed decision. ​

Original Equipment Manufacturer Parts

For many people, original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts represent the gold standard in replacement components. These are the items used in the original assembly of your equipment, so they meet the exact specifications required by manufacturers. An OEM part will generally feature the branding of your equipment, which could be important if you value aesthetics. You’ll pay a bit more for OEM parts, but it’s a guarantee they will fit perfectly and work properly once installation is complete. If your appliance is still under warranty, you might need to use these components to maintain compliance.

Original Component Manufacturer Parts

An original component manufacturer (OCM) part is one that’s built in a factory alongside its OEM counterparts, which means it conforms to identical standards. Think of these parts as the generic cereals or snacks that are baked with the same ingredients and recipes as name-brand products, but packaged in a no-frills manner. These parts give you the most value for your dollar, as you cut marketing and other expenses out of the supply chain.

Aftermarket Parts

If you’re working on a shoestring budget, you might be tempted to go with aftermarket parts, but do so with caution. Since these components aren’t made in the same facility as your original equipment, there’s no guarantee they will be a perfect fit. While you can get away with this for some pieces, you should shy away from aftermarket parts that are intended to work in concert with other moving components, as small imperfections could lead to big problems in the future.

Keep Your Kitchen Running

No matter if you run a restaurant, production facility or any other type of commercial kitchen, trust CASCO, the Commercial Appliance Service Company, with maintenance and repair of all of your equipment. To schedule an appointment with one of our technicians, contact us online or call our office at 707-544-5200 today.